Abstract

Hitherto, the unique pallial organ of the Pinnidae has been considered to fulfil a cleansing role, removing sediment and shell fragments from the mantle cavity. This study of the pallial organ of Atrina pectinata describes structure in greater detail than before but was unable to demonstrate a cleansing function. Rather, the organ is thigmotropic and massively secretory. Study of the pallial organ head demonstrates it to have a pH of between 2 and 4 and that tall, apparently empty cells in the head epithelium contain sulphuric acid which can be precipitated as barium sulphate crystals following irrigation with barium chloride.Acid‐secreting cells are recorded from a number of animal groups, notably opisthobranch gastropods, where they are concluded to possess a defensive function. Such a structure has not hitherto been recorded from the Bivalvia.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.